The 29-hour countdown for the launch of ISRO’s rejuvenated Geo-synchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV-D5) commenced at 11.18 a.m. today at Satish Dhawan Space Centre at Sriharikota.
“The 29-hour countdown for tomorrow’s launch at 4.18 p.m. of GSLV-D5 carrying 1,980 kg GSAT-14 communication satellite commenced as planned and is progressing smoothly,” ISRO spokesperson Deviprasad Karnik told PTI.
The GSLV-D5’s first mission attempt with indigenous cryogenic engine was aborted at the eleventh hour on August 19 last year due to a fuel leak in its second stage.
Fuel tank made of aluminium alloy called Afnor 7020 tended to develop crack over a period of time and the leak was blamed on it.
The GSLV is designed to inject its passenger spacecraft into the intended Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit with a combination of solid, earth-storable liquid and cryogenic propellants in its first, second and third stages, respectively.